Freetown, Sierra Leone:
In response to the persistent threat of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) such as measles, yellow fever, polio, and meningitis across Africa, the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Sierra Leone, successfully concluded a two-day tabletop simulation exercise aimed at strengthening national preparedness and response capacities.
Held on the 5th and 6th of November 2025 in Freetown, the exercise was part of a regional series organized by the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa (WHO AFRO) under the African Volunteers for COVID-19 Health Response , Surge Initiative (AVoHC-SURGE), supported by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) through the Joint Emergency Action Plan (JEAP). These simulations are designed to reinforce the role of Public Health Emergency Operations Centres (PHEOCs) as the backbone of rapid, coordinated, and effective outbreak response systems across the continent.
The Sierra Leone simulation brought together technical officers from the Ministry of Health (MOH), National Public Health Agency (NPHA), World Health Organization (WHO), Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Health Emergency and Disaster Authority (HEADA), and other key partners. Participants included representatives from the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), the Directorate of Health Security and Emergencies, the Central Public Health Reference Laboratory (CPHRL), and District Health Management Teams (DHMTs).
Facilitators and evaluators played a central role in guiding and assessing the simulation. Facilitators led scenario-based discussions, ensured structured group engagement, and helped participants navigate complex outbreak response challenges. Evaluators observed the sessions, assessed performance, and provided critical feedback to strengthen future preparedness efforts.
Facilitators included:
- From WHO: Victor Caulker, Ian Njeru, and Arisekola Adenola Jinadu
- From NPHA: Dr. Mukeh Kenneth Fahnbulleh and Mr. Sahr Gbandeh
- From HEADA: James Bangura
Evaluators included:
- From WHO: Michael Ndolie, Gbessay Saffa, and Dr. Isata Conteh
- From UNICEF: Saffa Kamara
- From US CDC: Sandi Genda
- From Africa CDC: Evans Mosonik
Participants were divided into two working groups (A and B), guided by facilitators through interactive sessions that tested the functionality of surveillance systems, laboratory processes, communication channels, and emergency coordination mechanisms. Hypothetical outbreak scenarios, from detection of suspected cases at the district level to national response coordination allowed teams to evaluate decision-making and activate response pillars effectively.
Key areas of focus included:
- Early detection and reporting of suspected cases
- Laboratory confirmation and sample transport
- Activation of the National Emergency Operations Centre (EOC)
- Vaccine logistics and cold chain management
- Risk communication and community engagement
Notable contributors included Dr. James Bangura (HEADA), Dr. Kangbai (EPI), Dr. Agnes Bangura (Case Management Lead), and the One Health Secretariat whose expertise enriched the discussions and outcomes.
Speaking at the opening session, Alhaji Dr. Alex Vandi, Deputy Executive Director of the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), emphasized the importance of continuous preparedness in safeguarding public health.
“Preparedness is a cornerstone of effective outbreak response. This exercise allows us to test our capacities, identify areas that need strengthening, and ensure that our systems are ready to protect the population against vaccine-preventable diseases,” he stated.
Dr. Innocent Nwankwo, Team Lead for Immunization and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPDs) at WHO Sierra Leone, reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting the country’s health security efforts.
“The World Health Organization remains committed to supporting the Government of Sierra Leone in strengthening surveillance, coordination, and response capacities. Exercises like this one are essential to ensure that the health system remains resilient and capable of responding quickly to emerging threats,” he said.
At the conclusion of the exercise, participants identified strengths such as improved coordination between national and district teams, strong partner collaboration, and existing response structures. Areas for improvement included data sharing, rapid mobilization of resources, and enhanced community-level communication.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Squire thanked WHO and other partners for their continued collaboration and technical support, emphasizing that the insights gained would be integrated into national preparedness plans.
“The lessons learned will help us refine our operational plans and ensure that we remain ready to respond to any outbreak. This exercise reinforces our commitment to protecting the health and well-being of all Sierra Leoneans,” she concluded.
A Regional Imperative
The tabletop simulation in Sierra Leone is part of a broader regional strategy led by WHO AFRO to strengthen Africa’s preparedness for vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks. Recent and ongoing outbreaks across the continent have highlighted the urgent need for rapid, coordinated, and resilient public health responses. Through the AVoHC-SURGE initiative and digital learning platforms, WHO AFRO is helping countries build surge capacity, validate emergency plans, clarify roles and responsibilities, and improve cross-border coordination.
These efforts are critical for meeting the standards of the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) and for ensuring that African health systems are equipped to respond swiftly to public health emergencies. Sierra Leone’s active participation in this initiative reflects its commitment to regional solidarity, proactive health security, and the protection of its citizens through evidence-based preparedness and response strategies.
Public Relations Unit NPHA-SL